New Delhi, September 21, 2025 – Art Magnum, in collaboration with the K.K. Hebbar Art Foundation, presents Silappadikaram: One of Five Tamil Epics – K.K. Hebbar Interprets the Classic, a solo exhibition that brings alive one of Tamil literature’s greatest epics through a contemporary artistic lens. Curated by Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya, the exhibition opens on 21st September 2025 and will remain on view until 31st October 2025 at Art Magnum, New Delhi. The evening will also mark the launch of the book Illango Adigal’s Silappadikaram: The Poetic Narration in Lines by K.K. Hebbar, further extending the dialogue between literature and visual art.
Silappadikaram, literally translated as One of Five Tamil Epics, is one of the five great Tamil epics, composed in the 2nd century CE by the Jain monk and Chera prince Illango Adigal. A narrative of love, betrayal, justice, and transformation, it tells the story of Kannagi, who avenges the wrongful execution of her husband Kovalan by burning down the city of Madura, later to be deified as the goddess of chastity.
Through his evocative works, K.K. Hebbar reimagines this ancient tale for a contemporary audience. Working with layered textures, symbolic forms, and a palette that oscillates between restraint and intensity, Hebbar captures the epic’s emotional terrain – grief, rage, resilience, and transcendence. His canvases serve as both storytelling devices and meditative spaces, bridging the distance between history and the present moment. The opening evening will also witness the presence of Hebbar’s children – Rekha Hebbar Rao, Rajani Hebbar Prasanna, and Ranna Hebbar, who continue to nurture his artistic legacy through the K.K. Hebbar Art Foundation. The evening will further be enriched by The Song of the Anklet – verses from Silappadikaram presented by Padma Shri awardee Prathibha Prahlad along with Sridhar Vasudevan.
Curator Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya adds, “Hebbar’s work goes beyond narrative illustration; it creates an experiential engagement with the epic. The balance of silence and intensity in his canvases reflects the duality of the text itself, its moral undertones, its poetic grandeur, and its enduring relevance.”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
K.K. Hebbar (1911–1996) was one of India’s most celebrated modernists, known for blending traditional Indian themes with a modern artistic vocabulary. His works often drew from mythology, literature, and folk traditions, creating timeless visual narratives that continue to resonate today.
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya is a respected curator with extensive experience in interpreting and contextualizing Indian art for contemporary audiences. His curatorial practice often focuses on bridging classical narratives with modern creative languages, fostering dialogues that connect tradition with innovation.
ABOUT ART MAGNUM
Art Magnum is a leading contemporary art gallery dedicated to showcasing exceptional Indian and international artists. Committed to cultural preservation and modern expression, the gallery provides a platform for dynamic exhibitions, conversations, and collector engagement, celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage.
EXHIBITION DETAILS
- Who: K.K. Hebbar – Solo Exhibition, curated by Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya, in collaboration with K.K. Hebbar Art Foundation
- What: Silappadikaram: One of Five Tamil Epics – K.K. Hebbar Interprets the Classic, A modern retelling of the great Tamil Epic through painting and abstraction, , alongside the book launch Illango Adigal’s Silappadikaram: The Poetic Narration in Lines by K.K. Hebbar
- When: Opening on Sunday, 21st September 2025 | 5:30 PM onwards
On view from 22nd September – 31st October 2025 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sundays by Appointment) - Where: Art Magnum, New Delhi
